Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
It seems to be near impossible to stop the LSU Tigers‘ (4-1, 2-1) offense. They can beat teams up with a powerful running game, led by Jeremy Hill. But if teams load up to stop the run, as Mississippi State did last week, Zach Mettenberger and company are capable of decimating opposing defenses through the air.
Mettenberger completed 25-of-29 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, and wide receiver Odell Beckham had 179 yards receiving and two TDs as No. 10 LSU blew past Mississippi State for a 59-26 victory. It was obvious from the outset that Mississippi State’s defense was loading the line of scrimmage to stop the run, daring LSU to throw. As it turns out, that wasn’t the best game plan, as LSU racked up 563 total yards.
Related: Improved Zach Mettenberger gives LSU Tigers an Edge vs Florida Gators
“They were playing the run game a little bit hard,” Beckham said. “I give all credit to Zach. He’s been making all the right plays and all the right reads since the season began.”
Mettenberger continues to play himself into the Heisman Trophy conversation, delivering stellar performances week after week.
On the other side of the ball, however, the Tigers still have plenty of work to do. LSU gave up more than 200 rushing yards and more than 250 passing yards to the Bulldogs. But the defense made strides in the second half, yielding just three points and helping LSU close the game on a 31-0 run. Ultimately, it seems this defense just needs to make a stop or two each game to win, considering how well the offense is playing.
What to look for in Week 7: Strength on strength –LSU’s explosive offense vs. Florida’s crushing defense. Even more specifically, the key matchup to watch is the Tigers’ supremely talented receiving duo – Beckham and Jarvis Landry – one on one against the Gators’ outstanding cornerbacks – Marcus Roberson and Loucheiz Purifoy. Each team already has a conference loss, so Saturday’s loser is in all likelihood out of its respective divisional race. The team that performs best when the Tigers have the ball will likely walk away the victor, carrying with it SEC title hopes that are still alive and well.
Scott Page is a college football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
